Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has blasted France for their lack of fair play in the controversial 1-1 draw with Ireland.

France striker Thierry Henry twice handled the ball before passing to teammate William Gallas to score the goal that knocked Ireland out of the World Cup finals in the play-offs.

"I am very disappointed for Giovanni Trapattoni," he told Juve Channel.

"It's particularly galling that the French have always criticised us for our football affairs, but I think they're in no position to lecture us on fair play now.

"It is difficult to contain yourself when you are on the field, but at the very least they could've had the decency to not celebrate quite so much.

"France were fortunate in that they came up against a team of great sporting culture like Ireland. Otherwise the match would've and probably should've been suspended."